Air Force Pitch Day

Air Force Launches SpaceWERX Innovation Hub

"We will begin designing future 'Prime' programs focused on space, autonomy, energy, gaming, supersonics and microelectronics," Air Force Secretary Barbara Barrett said.

Air Force Plans First Digital Engineering Pitch Day

"We're learning from industry as we go," said Eileene Vidrine, Air Force chief data officer.

AFWERX Seeks Next Breakthrough Tech Market For Investment

"I think we need something like a PEO that is wholly focused on commercial enterprise," says Air Force acquisition czar Will Roper.

Air Force Seeks Startups To Build High-Tech ‘Bases Of The Future’

The near-term focus is on rebuilding hurricane-ravaged Tyndall AFB, but the long-term goal is to build more resilient bases around the world -- including in war zones.

Space AQ Council Eyes Helping Space Startups Crack CARES Act

"In space, particularly, we've got to have a model that is very different than the one we used the last century," Roper summed up. "We're going to need to evaluate companies that have the potential to commercialize successfully as a delineator of who we partner with."

AFVentures Debuts With $550 Million In Startup Awards

The real challenge for small, innovative companies, says Anduril's Chris Brose said, is "the scaling challenge, and the bridge across the valley of death."  

Air Force To Pump New Tech Startups With $10M Awards

The Air Force's new investment strategy is designed to "catalyze the commercial market by bringing our military market to bear," says Roper.

Air Force, Allies Team To Find Space Startups

The new effort focuses on space situational awareness, space data analytics, space communication, artificial intelligence (AI) and satellite servicing.

Innovation IS The New Battlefield: Roper

"It's not enough to develop and procure systems anymore. We've got to get in the business of of buying ideas and generating ideas," says Air Force acquisition czar Will Roper.

“You Have To Be Willing To Bleed A Little Bit”: Roper On Innovation

BOSTON: “It’s like running through a briar patch naked,” Will Roper said of trying to bring start-up companies into the service’s contracting model to keep apace of commercial innovation. “You have to be willing to bleed a little bit,” Roper, the Air Force’s top acquisition official told me in an interview last Thursday, after watching 10 newborn […]